Disaster reliefhttp://www.businessinsider.com/category/disaster-relief
en-usMon, 19 Mar 2018 11:03:13 -0400Mon, 19 Mar 2018 11:03:13 -0400The latest news on Disaster relief from Business Insiderhttp://static3.businessinsider.com/assets/images/bilogo-250x36-wide-rev.pngBusiness Insiderhttp://www.businessinsider.com
http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-disaster-diplomacy-during-catastrophic-events-around-the-world-2018-2Disaster diplomacy governs who gets help after catastrophic events around the worldhttp://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-disaster-diplomacy-during-catastrophic-events-around-the-world-2018-2
Thu, 22 Feb 2018 23:12:59 -0500Tara Francis Chan
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5a8f4e00306ae02f008b45c4-1024/gettyimages-915326864.jpg" alt="GettyImages 915326864" data-mce-source="Unioncom/VCG via Getty Images" data-mce-caption="A building tilts to one side after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake on February 7, 2018 in Hualien County, Taiwan." /></p><p></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Recent emergencies in the Asia Pacific show countries respond to disasters in line with their existing political alliances.</strong></li>
<li><strong>This pattern is called "disaster diplomacy," according to an expert who spoke with Business Insider.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Disaster diplomacy was evident after Taiwan's earthquake and during the Maldives' state of emergency, as leaders made nuanced overtures in search of help from India, China, and Japan.</strong></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<p><br />Most people were in bed when they felt it.</p>
<p>Shortly before midnight on February 6, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake tore through the city of Hualien, Taiwan. Buildings shook, roads ripped up, and many people escaped onto the streets.</p>
<p>All told, 17 people died and 285 were injured. A major hotel collapsed and rescue workers spent more than 100 hours searching for bodies in the rubble.</p>
<p>As expected, condolences and offers to help with the rescue efforts poured in from the international community.</p>
<p>But it was then that Taiwan made a seemingly small, yet telling, decision &mdash; it accepted rescue help from Japan, after it turned down a similar offer from China, a country with which it has a complex and fraught history.</p>
<p>Yet it's not unusual for diplomatic ties to define emergency responses. In times of crises, politicians and diplomats regularly reinforce alliances and enmity based on their existing ideology, culture, values, and politics, says Ilan Kelman, author of "Disaster Diplomacy: How Disasters Affect Peace and Conflict."</p>
<p>This field of study is called "disaster diplomacy" and academics have yet to find any instances where diplomatic relations have changed long-term after a disaster.</p>
<p>"Dealing with disasters typically pushes diplomatic relations along the pathway which it was on before," Kelman told Business Insider. "If diplomatic relations are improving, then dealing with disasters can support this improvement temporarily. If diplomatic relations are deteriorating, then dealing with disasters can give excuses to continue moving farther apart."</p>
<p>And nowhere was this more evident in the last month than in the Asia Pacific.</p>
<h2>Taiwan rebuffed China's help, like it rebuffs China's influence</h2>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5a8f4cc83c314b2b008b45dd-1024/gettyimages-915684802.jpg" alt="Taiwan earthquake building" data-mce-source="Unioncom/VCG via Getty Images" data-mce-caption="A building tilts to one side after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake on February 7, 2018 in Hualien County, Taiwan." /></p>
<p>Taiwan's political situation is nothing short of complicated.</p>
<p>The democratic island, officially known as the Republic of China, is self-ruled. A pro-independence party has been in power since 2016.But Beijing considers Taiwan a province of China that will eventually be reunified under "one China."</p>
<p>In the wake of the February 6 earthquake, China offered to send rescue teams, but Taipei's Mainland Affairs Council said it didn't need external help.</p>
<p>"At the moment, we have adequate manpower and facilities in support of the rescue operation," Chiu Chui-cheng, vice-chairman of The Mainland Affairs Council, told&nbsp;<a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2132463/taipei-rejects-beijings-offer-help-earthquake-rescue">South China Morning Post</a>.</p>
<p>When asked if this was dismissing an olive branch from China, Chiu added, "It is a natural disaster and the rescue involves humanitarian efforts. They shouldn&rsquo;t be used as [a bridge] for political connection."</p>
<p>But a day later, Japanese rescuers arrived in Taiwan.</p>
<p>The Taiwanese government said it only accepted the offer because Japan could provide specialized body-heat detection equipment it did not have.</p>
<p>But the message from Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, who <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/taiwans-new-president-skirts-one-china-consensus-in-inaugural-address-1463723943">has refused to endorse the "one China" policy</a>, seemed clear to China.</p>
<p>"The Japanese side openly attempted to create 'one China, one Taiwan' under the pretext of disaster relief and condolences," China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang <a href="http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-02/09/c_136962404.htm">said.</a></p>
<h2>The Maldives is split between China and India</h2>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/5a8f526b21154527008b45c1-751/gettyimages-922948218.jpg" alt="Maldives state of emergency police" data-mce-source="AHMED SHURAU/AFP/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Maldivian opposition supporters scuffling with security forces officers during a protest demanding the release of political prisoners in Male on February 21, 2018." /></p>
<p>Meanwhile, India has been closely watching an unfolding emergency in the Maldives.</p>
<p>The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago near some crucial shipping lanes, has historically been closely tied to India but in recent years turned towards China.</p>
<p>Tensions rose when, the day before Taiwan's earthquake, the Maldives' President Yameen Abdul Gayoom&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/maldives-declares-state-of-emergency-judges-arrested-2018-2">declared a state of emergency</a>.</p>
<p>Former President Mohamed Nasheed, the country's only ever democratically-elected leader who now lives in exile in Sri Lanka, quickly asked India <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/960758666268835841">on Twitter</a> to send troops to address the situation.</p>
<p>"Maldivians see India&rsquo;s role positively: in &lsquo;88 they came, resolved the crisis, and left. They were not occupiers but liberators. This is why Maldivians look to India now," Nasheed also tweeted, referencing Indian soldiers who helped the government foil a coup in 1988.</p>
<p>But President Yameen instead sent envoys to "friendly nations," including China, which is thought to be investing in the Maldives as part of its "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/india-and-china-are-fighting-for-control-in-sri-lanka-2017-12">string of pearls</a>" that effectively encircle India.</p>
<p>In response, the Chinese state-run newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1089435.shtml">Global Times</a>, ran an op-ed that said, "Perhaps New Delhi has been seeking an opportunity to showcase its military again in its 'backyard.'"</p>
<p>"If India one-sidedly sends troops to the Maldives, China will take action to stop New Delhi," the column read.</p>
<p>The situation has yet to be resolved, with the state of emergency this week extended for another 30 days.</p>
<p>But none of it surprises Kelman.</p>
<p>"The countries involved were on specific diplomatic pathways and were seeking specific diplomatic interests," Kelman said. "They use any excuse to pursue what they wish to do anyway."</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/india-and-china-are-fighting-for-control-in-sri-lanka-2017-12" >India is buying world's emptiest airport in its battle for territorial dominance with China</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-disaster-diplomacy-during-catastrophic-events-around-the-world-2018-2#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/meaning-of-fake-news-and-make-america-great-again-steven-pinker-2018-3">Harvard professor Steven Pinker explains the disturbing truth behind Trump's 2 favorite phrases</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/equifax-data-breach-may-contribute-to-fema-fraud-2018-2Thieves are using regular people's names and identities to swindle the US government in a new scam that puts anyone at riskhttp://www.businessinsider.com/equifax-data-breach-may-contribute-to-fema-fraud-2018-2
Fri, 16 Feb 2018 09:46:00 -0500Tanza Loudenback
<p><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/5a81d6e4d030720d0c8b471a-2400/ap17237578656495.jpg" alt="Hurricane Harvey" data-mce-source="AP" data-mce-caption="Matt Looingvill struggles with his umbrella as he tries to walk in the wind and rain, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Corpus Christi, Texas." /></p><p></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Multiple hurricanes and wildfires made 2017 the most expensive year on record for disasters in the US.</strong></li>
<li><strong>4.7 million Americans filed for disaster aid through FEMA, but about 200,000 applications are suspected to be fraudulent.&nbsp; </strong></li>
<li><strong>The massive <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/equifax-hack-dont-freak-out-2017-9">Equifax data breach</a> may be partly to blame for the uptick in fraudulent FEMA applications.</strong></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>2017 was an especially costly year for the US government.</p>
<p>Multiple <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-harvey-donate-to-the-red-cross-and-salvation-army-2017-8">hurricanes</a> tore through parts of the South and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ventura-los-angeles-wildfires-california-how-to-help-victims-2017-12">wildfires</a> ravaged California, making it t<a href="https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/">he most expensive year on record for disasters</a>, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.</p>
<p>The US was impacted by 16 separate billion-dollar disasters in 2017, totaling $306 billion in economic losses.</p>
<p>As a result of the wildfires, hurricanes, and storms, millions of Americans were displaced and forced to rely on federal disaster aid. <a href="https://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21736559-many-200000-claims-relief-are-suspicious-californias-fires-died-down#nws=mcnewsletter">According to the Economist</a>, 4.7 million FEMA applications were filed in 2017 &mdash; a tenfold increase from 2016.</p>
<p>But David Passey, a spokesperson for FEMA, told the Economist that more than 200,000 of those applications &mdash; about 4.25% of all claims filed in 2017 &mdash; may be fraudulent.</p>
<p>The massive&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/equifax-hack-dont-freak-out-2017-9">Equifax data breach</a>&nbsp;may be partly to blame for the rise in suspicious applications.</p>
<p>In September 2017, Equifax, one of the three credit reporting agencies in the US, announced it was compromised between mid-May and July, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/equifax-breach-hack-exposed-most-valuable-information-2017-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">potentially exposing Social Security numbers</a>, credit card numbers, and other personal information for up to 143 million Americans.</p>
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5a81e178d03072f9008b45ce-955/gettyimages-841932576.jpg" alt="Hurricane Harvey FEMA aid" data-mce-source="Joe Raedle/Getty Images" /></p>
<p><a href="https://www.fema.gov/disaster-fraud?utm_source=hp_promo&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=miscellaneous">Disaster fraud</a> isn't anything new, but the timing of the Equifax breach may have made it easier for fraudsters to get their hands on personal data and file fraudulent FEMA applications &mdash; a case of sophisticated identity theft.</p>
<p>"To swindle payments from their rightful recipients, criminals had to match breached private information to addresses within federal disaster zones," the Economist reported.</p>
<p>FEMA can award up to $30,000 in emergency aid per household, but most payments are much smaller.</p>
<p>Some victims of the disasters found out they had been defrauded after receiving letters from FEMA confirming benefits they hadn't applied for. The Economist reported that one wildfire victim said she found out when she requested aid and learned "someone had already applied for money using her name, address, and Social Security number."</p>
<p>But large-scale data breaches like the Equifax leak aren't the only opportunity for criminals to steal your information. In 2016,<span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/hacking-in-america/more-4-billion-data-records-were-stolen-globally-2016-n714066" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">4.2 billion personal records</a><span>&nbsp;</span>were stolen. If someone wants your data, it's probably<span>&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/your-identity-has-already-been-stolen-2016-5">already out there</a>. The vast majority of identity theft victims &mdash; 86% in 2014 &mdash; have problems with a current account, such as a credit card or bank account, according to<span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/vit14_sum.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BJS data</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In December, the FBI set up a task force to investigate fraud claims related to FEMA applications. FEMA has notified applicants of additional security measures put in place to prevent fraud.</p>
<p>Anyone caught trying to make a fraudulent claim <a href="https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2017/10/31/4337/disaster-fraud-filing-false-fema-claims-costly-deserving-survivors">faces up to 30 years in prison</a> and a $250,000 fine if convicted.</p>
<h2>How to prevent disaster relief fraud</h2>
<p>If you are a victim of a disaster and are planning to apply for FEMA assistance, here are <a href="https://www.fema.gov/disaster-fraud">a few things to keep in mind</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li>If you <a href="https://www.disasterassistance.gov/">apply online</a> and receive a verification error, call FEMA directly for explanation.</li>
<li>If you haven't applied, don't give your personal information to anyone claiming they are verifying your application from FEMA.</li>
<li>Don't trust anyone who comes to your home for an inspection without a FEMA badge or someone who asks for money to complete an inspection or application.</li>
</ul>
<p>If you suspect you have been defrauded, contact <a href="https://www.oig.dhs.gov/">the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General</a>, <a href="https://www.oig.dhs.gov/hotline">FEMA's Office of the Chief Security Officer tip line</a>, <a href="https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud">the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline</a>, or <a href="https://www.identitytheft.gov/">the Federal Trade Commission</a>.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/equifax-breach-credit-freeze-prevent-identity-theft-2017-9" >Freezing your credit after the Equifax breach won't prevent the most common type of identity theft — here's what will</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>DON'T MISS:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/equifax-hack-dont-freak-out-2017-9" >The Equifax breach may have exposed 143 million people's Social Security numbers — but here's why you shouldn't freak out</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/equifax-data-breach-may-contribute-to-fema-fraud-2018-2#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/what-its-like-to-do-your-own-taxes-for-the-very-first-time-2018-2">What it's like to do your own taxes for the very first time</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/ventura-los-angeles-wildfires-california-how-to-help-victims-2017-12How to help California fire victims in Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Diegohttp://www.businessinsider.com/ventura-los-angeles-wildfires-california-how-to-help-victims-2017-12
Tue, 12 Dec 2017 11:06:00 -0500Tanza Loudenback
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5a2826693dbef430008ba703-1500/ap17340075444957.jpg" alt="Los Angeles California wildfire" data-mce-source="AP/Noah Berger" /></p><p></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Multiple wildfires continue to burn throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego counties in Southern California.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The largest blaze &mdash; known as the Thomas Fire &mdash; began last week in Ventura County and burned more than 200,000 acres.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Santa Ana winds have pushed the Thomas Fire into Santa Barbara County, threatening the seaside communities of Carpenteria, Summerland, and Montecito.</strong></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>A <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ventura-county-fire-news-updates-damage-in-los-angeles-california-2017-12">series of wildfires</a> last week scorched more than 260,000 acres in Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Diego counties in Southern California. The first and largest blaze, dubbed the Thomas Fire, started December 4 in Ventura County and has moved North, becoming a threat to Santa Barbara County.</p>
<p>Here are the numbers as of Tuesday morning, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/CountyofLA/status/938809599385223168">Los Angeles County</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CountyofLA/status/938529636824203264">officials</a> and <a href="http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents">Cal Fire</a>, a state fire-safety agency:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Thomas Fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties:</strong> 234,200 acres, 20% containment, 794 structures destroyed, 187 structures damaged out of at least 18,000 threatened.</li>
<li><strong>Skirball Fire in Bel Air:</strong> 422 acres, 85% containment.</li>
<li><strong>Lilac Fire in San Diego County:</strong> 4,100 acres, 90% contained, 151 structures destroyed and 56 damaged.</li>
<li><strong>Rye Fire in Santa Clarita:</strong> 6,049 acres, 93% containment.</li>
<li><strong>Creek Fire in Sylmar: </strong>15,619 acres, 98% containment, at least 30 structures damaged or destroyed, at least 2,500 homes threatened.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Thomas Fire had grown to <a href="http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/1922">more than 65,000 acres</a> in two days and destroyed at least 150 structures out of at least 12,000 threatened in Ventura and Ojai. The fire grew by 50,000 acres on Sunday as dry Santa Ana winds continued, triggering <a href="http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/admin8327985/cdf/images/incidentfile1922_3196.pdf">evacuation orders</a> throughout Santa Barbara County. One death has been blamed on the Thomas Fire: the body of 70-year-old Virginia Pesola was discovered at a car crash site on an evacuation route in Ventura County on Wednesday night, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new-evacuations-ordered-california-wildfires-whip-across-region-n828221">according to NBC</a>.</p>
<p>As many as 200,000 people had been displaced in Los Angeles and Ventura counties and authorities closed &mdash; and <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-brentwood-fire-20171206-story.html">then reopened</a> &mdash; parts of the 405 Freeway on Wednesday last week, causing gridlock throughout the region. <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-southern-california-wildfires-live-here-are-all-the-l-a-unified-schools-1512547044-htmlstory.html">More than 50 schools</a> were closed in the Los Angeles area through the end of the week.</p>
<p>Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency, freeing up state funds to help tackle the wildfires.</p>
<p>"This fire is very dangerous and spreading rapidly, but we'll continue to tackle it with all we've got," Brown said. "It's critical residents stay ready and evacuate immediately if told to do so."</p>
<p>Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/sylmar-fire-los-angeles-county-california-wildfire-photos-2017-12/#the-winds-were-pushing-the-fire-toward-santa-paula-a-town-of-some-30000-people-about-60-miles-northwest-of-los-angeles-many-of-the-evacuated-homes-were-there-but-evacuation-orders-were-expanded-to-include-houses-in-ventura-a-city-of-106000-people-12-miles-southwest-4">told reporters</a> that the fires' growth had been "absolutely exponential."</p>
<p>Here are a few ways you can help:</p>
<h2>Thomas Fire Fund</h2>
<ul>
<li>The United Way of Ventura County, American Red Cross of Ventura County, and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services have teamed up to create the Thomas Fire Fund.</li>
<li>Text UWVC to 41444 to make a cash donation, call 805-485-6288, or go online to <a href="http://vcunitedway.org/" rel="nofollow">United Way of Ventura County's website</a>.</li>
<li>Checks with "Thomas Fire Fund" in the memo line can be mailed to 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100 Ventura, CA 93003.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Salvation Army</h2>
<ul>
<li>The Salvation Army is accepting food and water at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.</li>
<li>You can donate cash by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or <a href="http://salvationarmy-socal.org/" rel="nofollow">visiting the website</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Red Cross</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles">The Red Cross of Los Angeles</a> will update <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossVenturaCounty/">its social media accounts</a> with information about volunteer opportunities.</li>
<li>Make a cash donation on <a href="http://redcrossla.org/" rel="nofollow">redcrossla.org</a> or over the phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Humane Society of Ventura County</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/hsvc.org/posts/?ref=page_internal">The Humane Society of Ventura County</a> has taken in over 100 animals.</li>
<li>Drop off any of the following items at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai: Alfalfa hay, Timothy hay, cat chow, rabbit food, flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, water troughs, bottled water, fruit, snacks, hoses, and power generators.</li>
<li>Donate food and water for volunteers, or make a cash donation <a href="https://humanesocietyvc.nationbuilder.com/donate" rel="nofollow">on HSVC's website</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation</h2>
<ul>
<li>Donate to <a href="https://lacountyanimals.org/way-to-give/disaster-relief/">Noah's Legacy Fund</a>, which provides supplies, training, and equipment to first responders charged with rescuing animals from areas stricken by natural disasters.</li>
<li>Mail donations to P.O. Box 100515, Pasadena, CA 91189-0515 or <a href="https://lacountyanimals.org/way-to-give/disaster-relief/" rel="nofollow">through the LACACF website</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2>GoFundMe campaigns</h2>
<ul>
<li>Dozens of families who've already lost their homes have turned to GoFundMe for donations.</li>
<li>Here is <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/cause/southern-ca-fire-relief/campaigns">a list of all the verified campaigns</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Direct Relief</h2>
<ul>
<li>Santa Barbara-based organization Direct Relief is donating 100% of designated funds to victims of the wildfires.</li>
<li>Donate money for supplies <a href="https://secure.directrelief.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2105&amp;2105.donation=form1">online</a> and make sure you direct your donation to "Southern California Wildfires."</li>
</ul><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ventura-county-fire-news-updates-damage-in-los-angeles-california-2017-12" >The wildfire in Ventura County grew by almost 100,000 acres over the weekend, triggering more evacuations</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ventura-los-angeles-wildfires-california-how-to-help-victims-2017-12#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/los-angeles-driver-filmed-huge-smoke-rising-from-a-growing-brush-fire-california-wildfire-2017-12">A driver in Los Angeles filmed huge smoke rising from a growing brush fire</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/us-bronze-star-llc-puerto-rico-hurricane-victims-2017-11The US awarded a $30 million contract to a Florida company that was supposed to help hurricane victims, but never didhttp://www.businessinsider.com/us-bronze-star-llc-puerto-rico-hurricane-victims-2017-11
Tue, 28 Nov 2017 13:40:06 -0500Tami Abdollah and Michael Biesecker
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5a1da99d3dbef425008b8adc-1777/ap17272065448974.jpg" alt="puerto rico hurricane maria" data-mce-source="Gerald Herbert/AP" data-mce-caption="In this Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017 photo, Ruby Rodriguez, 8, looks back at her mother as she wades across the San Lorenzo Morovis river with her family, since the bridge was swept away by Hurricane Maria, in Morovis, Puerto Rico. They were returning to their home after visiting family on the other side." /></p><p></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The US government awarded $30 million in contracts to a Florida company to deliver aid to hurricane victims in Puerto Rico, but Bronze Star LLC never delivered any supplies.&nbsp;</strong></li>
<li><strong>Although the contract was terminated without paying any money, the funds could have been used for other aid-relief purposes more quickly.&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<p><br />WASHINGTON (AP) &mdash; After Hurricane Maria damaged tens of thousands of homes in&nbsp;Puerto&nbsp;Rico, a newly created Florida company won more than $30 million in federal&nbsp;contracts&nbsp;to provide emergency&nbsp;tarps&nbsp;and plastic sheeting for repairs.</p>
<p>Bronze Star LLC never delivered those urgently needed supplies.</p>
<p>According to an exclusive Associated Press report, the Federal Emergency Management Agency terminated the&nbsp;contracts&nbsp;this month, without paying any money, and re-started the process to supply more&nbsp;tarps&nbsp;for the U.S. territory.</p>
<p>The original effort took nearly four weeks between the day FEMA awarded the&nbsp;contracts&nbsp;to Bronze Star and the day it canceled them, tying up millions in disaster relief funds.</p>
<p>Thousands of&nbsp;Puerto&nbsp;Ricans remain homeless, and many complain the federal government is taking too long to install&nbsp;tarps.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-help-puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-2017-9" >The best charities to donate to for victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>DON'T MISS:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/beyonce-new-single-remix-j-balvin-willy-william-2017-9" >Beyoncé drops a new remix to boost Hurricane Maria efforts</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-bronze-star-llc-puerto-rico-hurricane-victims-2017-11#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/rise-and-fall-of-hooters-airline-myrtle-beach-bob-brooks-atlanta-airplanes-2018-2">The rise and fall of Hooters Air — the airline that lost the 'breastaurant' $40 million</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/california-fire-victims-how-to-help-2017-104 ways to help the victims of the wildfires in Northern Californiahttp://www.businessinsider.com/california-fire-victims-how-to-help-2017-10
Tue, 10 Oct 2017 14:37:10 -0400Talia Lakritz
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/59dd13662b53ad002f512dd0-1705/ap17282675231037.jpg" alt="santa rosa tubbs fire wildfire 2017" data-mce-source="Jeff Chiu/AP" data-mce-caption="A firefighter hoses down a house burning in Santa Rosa, Calif., Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. Wildfires whipped by powerful winds swept through Northern California sending residents on a headlong flight to safety through smoke and flames as homes burned."></p><p></p>
<h3>The INSIDER Summary:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Northern California is being ravaged by wildfires that have killed at least 10 people and destroyed at least 1,500 homes and businesses.</strong></li>
<li><strong>If you want to help, donating money is better for local organizations than donating supplies, though both are helpful.</strong></li>
<li><strong>If you're nearby, you can host displaced people through Airbnb or foster a pet.</strong></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p><br>At least 10 people have died and 1,500 homes and businesses have been destroyed by <a href="http://www.thisisinsider.com/photos-of-fire-in-santa-rosa-northern-california-2017-10">wildfires</a> that are scorching Northern California. Even if you don't live on the West Coast, there are still ways to aid those affected by the blaze.</p>
<p>Here's what you can do to help.</p>
<h3>Donate to a relief fund</h3>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/59dd13662b53ad002f512dd1-2400/rts1fthx.jpg" alt="wildfire california" data-mce-source="Mike Blake/Reuters" data-mce-caption="A firefighter works to put out hot spots on a fast moving wind driven wildfire in Orange, California."></p>
<p>Here are a few organizations requesting donations that are helping with relief efforts on the ground:</p>
<ul>
<li>Napa Valley Community Foundation's <a href="http://www.napavalleycf.org/fire-donation-page/">Disaster Relief Fund</a> coordinates the efforts of nonprofits,<span> local government agencies, and faith communities for community-based, community-focused relief efforts.</span>
</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.cafirefoundation.org/programs/supplying-aid-to-victims-of-emergency/">California Fire Foundation</a> supplies firefighters on the front lines with $100 gift cards to give to victims they encounter to help them buy basic necessities.</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Helps-as-Fires-Burn-Out-of-Control-in-California">The American Red Cross</a> organizes both relief and volunteer efforts in the area. You can donate online, <span>call 1-800 RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.</span>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Donate to local shelters and evacuation centers</h3>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/59dd13662b53ad002f512dd2-2400/rts198d.jpg" alt="california wildfire shelter" data-mce-source="David Ryder/Reuters" data-mce-caption="A volunteer sorts shoes and other donated items at an evacuation center for residents affected by the Valley Fire, at the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga, California, in 2015."></p>
<p>Shelters and evacuation centers often prefer cash donations to supplies because they don't involve time-consuming shipping or sorting.</p>
<p>If you do want to donate supplies to an organization, make sure to check their list of requested items and stick to it. Usually, they'll need toiletries, diapers, bedding, towels, or clothes.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Evacuation-Orders-Evacuation-Centers-North-Bay-Fires-450071523.html">Click here</a> for a full list of evacuation centers.</p>
<h3> </h3>
<h3>Host displaced people or relief workers through Airbnb</h3>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/59dd13662b53ad002f512dd3-2400/rts1ft25.jpg" alt="wildfire california" data-mce-source="Stephen Lam/Reuters" data-mce-caption="Flames burn on a hillside near Napa Road during the Nuns Fire in Sonoma, California."></p>
<p><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/welcome/evacuees/northerncaliforniafireevacuees">Airbnb</a> hosts can make their homes available to victims running away from the fire and volunteers running towards it for free as part of the site's <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/welcome">Open Homes</a> program.</p>
<h3>Foster a pet</h3>
<div>
<div id="fb-root"></div>
<script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/SonomaHumane/posts/1487312218028064" data-width="800" data-show-text="false">
<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SonomaHumane/posts/1487312218028064">Post</a>
by
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/">Sonoma Humane Society</a>
.
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>It's not just people that need help when disaster strikes — animals do, too. You can donate pet supplies like food, small bowls for feeding, cages, leashes, and sheets to <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article177893206.html">local animal shelters</a>.</p>
<p>Fostering pets is also an option. Groups like <a href="http://milofoundation.org/index.cfm">The Milo Foundation</a> and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SonomaHumane">Sonoma Humane Society</a> are seeking foster homes for pets as their shelters become overcrowded.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/california-fire-victims-how-to-help-2017-10#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-fire-retardant-slows-down-wildfires-2016-9">How fire-retardant chemicals help combat wildfires</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/celebs-are-using-awkward-photos-to-raise-money-for-disaster-relief-2017-9Celebrities shared their awkward middle school photos on Instagram — and raised $1 million for Puerto Ricohttp://www.businessinsider.com/celebs-are-using-awkward-photos-to-raise-money-for-disaster-relief-2017-9
Fri, 06 Oct 2017 14:46:00 -0400Anjelica Oswald
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/59ce5782f37c8d186d22e818-1200/stephen-colbert.jpg" alt="stephen colbert" data-mce-source="StephenAtHome/Twitter and Kevin Winter/Getty Images"></p><p></p>
<p>Celebrities are sharing their awkward stages for a good cause.</p>
<p>During an appearance on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdsi6BhH8mw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Late Show with Stephen Colbert</a>," Nick Kroll urged fellow actors to post photos from their younger years to show that teens shouldn't feel uncomfortable with going through puberty. Those awkward teen years are the basis of Kroll's new Netflix show, "Big Mouth." </p>
<p><a href="http://www.thisisinsider.com/category/stephen-colbert" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Colbert</a> shared a hilarious photo and announced that for every celebrity who shared a photo of their pubescent years with the hashtag "<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PuberMe?src=hash" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">puberme</a>," he would donate money to Puerto Rico and hurricane relief efforts. Kroll then added that he would match Colbert's donation. </p>
<p>On Thursday, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxHhJdVETDY">Colbert announced</a> that the successful campaign raised $1 million for disaster relief, but not all of the money came from the photos.</p>
<p>The photos raised $233,000, provided by the AmeriCone Dream Fund and the cast and crew of the Netflix series "Big Mouth" gave $100,000. Then Colbert announced that Les Moonves and CBS matched that to bring the total up to $666,000. Thanks to additional non-celebrity participants in the campaign, the AmeriCone Dream Fund gave an additional $266,000, which was then joined by Kroll giving an additional $67,000.</p>
<p>This left the total at $999,000, but then Lin-Manuel Miranda came out and showed a hilarious video from when he was 13 that resulted in the final $1,000 donation.</p>
<p>See some of the awkward photos celebrities are using to help with relief efforts below: </p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/real-housewives-star-sent-planes-puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-relief-efforts-2017-10" >'Real Housewives' star Bethenny Frankel sent 4 private planes to Puerto Rico for hurricane relief</a></strong></p>
<h3>Stephen Colbert</h3>
<img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/59ce5780f37c8d186d22e80e-400-300/stephen-colbert.jpg" alt="" />
<p><biembeddedobject id="d513880d-4cfc-4fbf-91d2-980b65e999fb" style="width: 600px; height: 200px;" class="twitter mceNonEditable">Tweet Embed:<br />https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/913254257582800896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw<br />Nick Kroll asked me to post a pic of my awkward stage, but I never had one. So here's me lookin' cool as hell! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PuberMe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PuberMe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PuertoRicoRelief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PuertoRicoRelief</a> <a href="https://t.co/UC9a7XtjZa">pic.twitter.com/UC9a7XtjZa</a></biembeddedobject>
<p>&nbsp;</p></p>
<br/><br/><h3>Nick Kroll</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/59ce5780f37c8d186d22e80f-400-300/nick-kroll.jpg" alt="" />
<p><biembeddedobject id="df7bb64f-567d-466e-ac6b-d1f0edb8f4ff" style="width: 600px; height: 200px;" class="twitter mceNonEditable">Tweet Embed:<br />https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/913257738053890048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw<br />Thank you Stephen. In return, here's me trying to look like a tough guy because I hadn't yet hit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/puberme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#puberme</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PuertoRicoRelief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PuertoRicoRelief</a> <a href="https://t.co/WAzZ6kk6qb">pic.twitter.com/WAzZ6kk6qb</a></biembeddedobject>
<p>&nbsp;</p></p>
<br/><br/><h3>Reese Witherspoon</h3>
<img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/59d7c81b53620489008b46b3-400-300/reese-witherspoon.jpg" alt="" />
<p><biembeddedobject id="1901eccc-31cb-4111-84c8-9906cbdd923b" style="width: 658px; height: autopx;" class="instagram mceNonEditable">Instagram Embed:<br />http://instagram.com/p/BZpSos6hKsm/embed/<br />Width: 658px</biembeddedobject>
<p>&nbsp;</p></p>
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/celebs-are-using-awkward-photos-to-raise-money-for-disaster-relief-2017-9#/#mandy-moore-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-harvey-survivors-financial-toll-2017-8100,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged by Harvey — and for survivors the financial toll is just beginninghttp://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-harvey-survivors-financial-toll-2017-8
Fri, 01 Sep 2017 16:00:00 -0400Tanza Loudenback
<p><strong><img style="float:right;" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/59a840fc6eac4020008b7370-1443/ap17242614175831.jpg" alt="rebuilding homes Hurricane Harvey" data-mce-source="AP Photo/Eric Gay" data-mce-caption="Workers begin repairs to a wall that was lost in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Rockport, Texas."></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Officials estimate up to 100,000 homes were damaged or destroyed as a result of Harvey.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The worst of the storm was over by Thursday, August 31, but recovery is expected to last months.</strong></li>
<li><strong>325,000 have already applied for assistance from FEMA, the only aid available for the more than 80% of people without flood insurance.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Since Hurricane Harvey <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/tropical-storm-harvey-hurricane-updates-map-texas-where-landfall-damage-2017-8">made landfall in Texas</a> last Friday, dangerous flooding has driven tens of thousands of people from their homes, and "<a href="https://twitter.com/NWS/status/901832717070983169">unprecedented</a>" rainfall and winds wreaked havoc across parts of the state. Aerial <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/houston-harvey-flooding-aerial-photos-2017-8">photos</a> of the aftermath in Houston show entire neighborhoods submerged in water.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/31/us/harvey-houston-texas-flood/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">As many as 100,000 homes</a> have been damaged or destroyed as a result of Harvey, according to homeland security adviser Tom Bossert. Houston officials estimate that <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/harvey-now-tropical-storm-makes-landfall-louisiana/story?id=49507156">up to 40,000 homes</a> in the city have been destroyed. The coastal areas of Rockport and Port Arkansas, which are close to where the storm made its first landfall, were <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-harvey-destruction-flooding-photos-2017-8">heavily damaged as well,</a> as were <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/harvey-port-arthur-26-inches-rain-flash-floods-residents-survival-mode-2017-8">the nearby cities of Port Arthur and Beaumont</a>.</p>
<p>Over the coming days and weeks, Texans who fled their homes for safety will return to devastating scenes. For survivors, the financial toll is just beginning.</p>
<p>Of the more than 300,000 Harvey survivors who had applied for FEMA aid as of Thursday, more than 96,000 individuals and households had been approved. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-hurricane-harvey-will-be-a-big-test-for-fema-2017-9">According to Reuters</a>, $57 million has already been allotted to victims, with $9.5 million approved for housing assistance to help with rent of up to $2,000 a month. Victims may also receive $500 to cover "critical needs" such as diapers, infant formula, food and fuel.</p>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">
325k survivors signed up for assistance and counting. If affected by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Harvey?src=hash">#Harvey</a>, register for <a href="https://twitter.com/fema">@fema</a> aid at <a href="https://t.co/VxTH4dA4AS">https://t.co/VxTH4dA4AS</a> </p>— Brock Long (@FEMA_Brock) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/903299217900363776">August 31, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p>The recovery process — from salvaging personal belongings to catching up on mortgage payments to dealing with insurance companies — will be long-lasting and could leave many people in financial ruin. Here are some of the challenges survivors will face once the flood waters subside.</p>
<h2>Mortgage payments</h2>
<p>In Houston and nearby areas impacted by the storm, there are "more than twice as many mortgage properties with nearly four times the unpaid principal balance" as there were in the counties hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/30/harvey-hits-mortgages-as-flood-stricken-homeowners-are-unlikely-to-pay.html">according to data cited by CNBC</a> from Black Knight Financial Services.</p>
<p>An aftermath on par with Katrina could mean 75,000 Houston borrowers may fall behind on their mortgage payment in the next two months, and 45,000 could become "seriously delinquent" within four months.</p>
<p>Mortgage lenders Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are offering some relief for homeowners affected by Harvey, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/30/harvey-hits-mortgages-as-flood-stricken-homeowners-are-unlikely-to-pay.html">forbearing mortgage payments at least 90 days</a>, and potentially up to a year. Borrowers won't have to make their monthly payments and no penalties will apply, though interest will still accrue.</p>
<h2>Flood insurance</h2>
<p>Only 17% of the homes in the eight counties left in Harvey's wake have flood insurance, which can cost homeowners anywhere from $500 to $2,000 annually depending on the location, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/08/29/where-harvey-is-hitting-hardest-four-out-of-five-homeowners-lack-flood-insurance">according to the Washington Post</a>.</p>
<p>For the more than 80% of homeowners without flood insurance, private charity and grants from FEMA is all they have. At the high-end, a homeowner who can prove their house is unlivable can be given up to $33,300 from FEMA.</p>
<p>Still, the process to receive aid can take weeks or months after a disaster like Harvey.</p>
<p>A lack or delay of funds could force many people into debt or bankruptcy, particularly if a home is the most valuable financial asset they own. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-hurricane-harvey-will-be-a-big-test-for-fema-2017-9">According to Reuters</a>, the average FEMA payout to victims of Hurricane Katrina was just $7,114, and $8,016 for Sandy.</p>
<p>"There are some early indications that this is going to have an exceptionally large impact on the number of people who are totally uninsured," Howard Mills, the global insurance regulatory leader at Deloitte, <a href="https://qz.com/1063985/hurricane-harvey-why-85-of-homeowners-in-houston-dont-have-federal-flood-insurance/">told Quartz</a>.</p>
<p>Most flood insurance policies are issued through the government-run <a href="https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program">National Flood Insurance Program</a> (NFIP), which is already $25 billion in debt after payouts from Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. Those policies will cover up to $250,000 in rebuilding costs for structural damage to residential properties.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.fema.gov/nfip-file-your-claim">Filing a claim</a> is the first step, and then homeowners will need to document the damage with photos and make an appointment for an adjuster to visit. As thousands of people move through this process simultaneously, claims and payments are likely to be delayed.</p>
<h2>Replacing belongings</h2>
<p>Legendary investor Warren Buffett — whose company Berkshire Hathaway owns Geico and several other insurers —<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-billionaire-warren-buffett-says-hurricane-damage-will-linger-2017-8">said</a> it's likely that 10% of the vehicles Geico insures in the Houston area will have to be replaced.</p>
<p>Flood insurance policies through FEMA will replace damaged personal belongings such as clothing, TVs, and furniture up to $100,000. But with the vast majority of homeowners in the area uninsured, the losses could be immense.</p>
<h2>Managing money</h2>
<p>Tens of thousands of people quickly evacuated their homes before Harvey's first landfall, possibly leaving behind important financial documents, like social security information, tax documents, insurance policies, and mortgages. These are all <a href="https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents">replaceable</a>, but may take some time.</p>
<p>The Federal Trade Commission <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0379-dealing-weather-emergency-getting-back-your-feet-financially">suggests</a> reaching out to credit card companies, lenders, and other financial institutions to ask for help. Many could be willing to defer payments, extend grace periods, waive late fees, postpone collection or foreclosures, or raise credit limits.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-harvey-donate-to-the-red-cross-and-salvation-army-2017-8" >Here's how to donate to the Red Cross and Salvation Army to help Hurricane Harvey victims in Texas</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>DON'T MISS:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-harvey-photos-of-people-being-rescued-2017-8" >These stories of people being rescued from Hurricane Harvey will restore your faith in humanity</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-harvey-survivors-financial-toll-2017-8#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/watch-pilots-fly-directly-into-hurricane-harvey-noaa-2017-8">Pilots flew straight into Hurricane Harvey and caught this incredible first-hand footage</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/off-grid-box-deliver-electricity-drinking-water-anywhere-2017-8This box can deliver electricity and drinking water anywherehttp://www.businessinsider.com/off-grid-box-deliver-electricity-drinking-water-anywhere-2017-8
Tue, 29 Aug 2017 11:25:04 -0400David Anderson
<p>The "<a href="https://www.offgridbox.com/">Off Grid Box</a>" can provide clean drinking water and electricity just about anywhere. It can be used in developing countries or for people who simply prefer living off the grid.</p>
<p>Off Grid Box also says the device can be deployed in the event of a natural disaster.</p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/off-grid-box-deliver-electricity-drinking-water-anywhere-2017-8#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/inflatable-robot-snake-help-search-rescue-missions-technology-stanford-2017-7This inflatable robot snake creeps through tiny spaces and could help with search and rescue missionshttp://www.businessinsider.com/inflatable-robot-snake-help-search-rescue-missions-technology-stanford-2017-7
Tue, 25 Jul 2017 12:05:34 -0400Jasper Pickering
<p>The department of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University have developed a snake-like robot that is able to to squeeze through tight gaps which could prove to be invaluable in search and rescue scenarios.&nbsp;</p>
<p>By using a process known as 'eversion' the tube is able to unfurl itself from the inside using pressurised air. By gently pulling the tube in different directions, the operator is able to manipulate the robot's shape making it easy to navigate past small obstacles.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Allison Okamura, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, said:</p>
<p><span>"We can make it sneak through very small crevices in order to get access to places where people can't go. And also we can deliver material through the centre of it whether it be a sensor or water, for example, to reach a disaster&nbsp;victim."</span></p>
<p><span><em>Produced by <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/author/jasper-pickering" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jasper Pickering</a>.</em><br /></span></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/inflatable-robot-snake-help-search-rescue-missions-technology-stanford-2017-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-fundraisers-disaster-relief-2017-6Mark Zuckerberg announced a new Facebook feature to help people after disastershttp://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-fundraisers-disaster-relief-2017-6
Wed, 14 Jun 2017 13:57:00 -0400Lucy Yang
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/594171a0da6dde614464ed7d-2048/19221473101037968728332015514729062728427131o.jpg" alt="Facebook" data-mce-source="Facebook" data-link="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10103796872833201&amp;set=a.529237706231.2034669.4&amp;type=3&amp;theater"></p><p></p>
<h3><strong>The INSIDER Summary:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Facebook announced several improvements to its Safety Check feature on Wednesday.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Most importantly, its new Fundraisers feature lets you donate directly&nbsp;to victims and disaster relief organizations after a crisis.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Fundraisers is rolling out "in the coming weeks" in the US.</strong><strong><br></strong></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p><br>On Wednesday, Facebook added a feature called <a href="https://newsroom.fb.com/news/2017/06/announcing-updates-to-safety-check/">Fundraisers</a> that lets you raise money for victims of a crisis or natural disaster with the push of a button.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can now create and donate to fundraisers from within the site's existing Safety Check feature — used by Facebook users to tell their friends and family that they're safe during an emergency. The addition comes as part of the company's "ongoing efforts to keep our community safe," CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10103796872833201&amp;set=a.529237706231.2034669.4&amp;type=3&amp;theater">announcement</a> on Facebook.</p>
<p>On top of that, you'll also be able to access Community Help on your&nbsp;desktop. Launched <a href="https://newsroom.fb.com/news/2017/02/empowering-people-to-help-one-another-within-safety-check/">earlier this year</a> on mobile, the feature lets you find and help others (through food, shelter, and transportation) after a crisis.</p>
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/594171a0da6dde614464ed7e-2400/community help.png" alt="Community Help" data-mce-source="Facebook" data-link="https://newsroom.fb.com/news/2017/02/empowering-people-to-help-one-another-within-safety-check/">Although Facebook has been expanding its community outreach support for a while&nbsp;— the company added the ability to create personal fundraisers <a href="https://newsroom.fb.com/news/2017/03/more-ways-to-support-causes/">in March</a>&nbsp;— its new Fundraisers feature is the first that allows people outside of a crisis area to donate money directly to those who&nbsp;need it the most.</p>
<p>You can expect to see&nbsp;Fundraisers, among <a href="https://newsroom.fb.com/news/2017/06/announcing-updates-to-safety-check/">other improvements</a> to Safety Check, soon, as the features roll out "in the coming weeks" in the US.</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/watch-the-moment-mark-zuckerberg-got-accepted-to-harvard-video-2017-5" >'Yay, I got accepted': Watch the moment teenage Mark Zuckerberg got accepted to Harvard</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/facebook-fundraisers-disaster-relief-2017-6#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/open-bionics-prosthetic-arms-2018-2">These bionic arms make kids feel like superheroes</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/r-disaster-loss-estimates-ignore-higher-cost-to-poor-world-bank-2016-11We've been underestimating the costs of natural disasters by up to 60%, according to a World Bank studyhttp://www.businessinsider.com/r-disaster-loss-estimates-ignore-higher-cost-to-poor-world-bank-2016-11
Mon, 14 Nov 2016 09:34:00 -0500
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/57c5ecfbb996eb98008b54b2-1500/ap_16240510270004.jpg" alt="italy earthquake" data-mce-source="AP Images" /></p><p></p>
<p>MARRAKESH, Morocco (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Natural disasters have a more devastating impact on the poor than widely thought, forcing some 26 million people into poverty each year and setting back global spending on goods and services by the equivalent of $520 billion annually, the World Bank said on Monday.</p>
<p>The human and economic costs of disasters, caused by extreme weather and earthquakes, have been underestimated by up to 60 percent because they ignore the high toll on the consumption and related well-being of the poor, the bank said in a new study.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Severe climate shocks threaten to roll back decades of progress against poverty,&rdquo; said World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim in a statement. "Building resilience to disasters not only makes economic sense, it is a moral imperative.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Stephane Hallegatte, lead author of the report, said poor people tend to suffer more from disasters as they often live in places that are hit more often, and lose a bigger share of their income. They also receive less support from governments, friends and family, he added.</p>
<p>The report notes that a flood or earthquake can be disastrous for poor people but have a negligible impact on a country's overall wealth or production if it affects people who own almost nothing and have very low incomes.</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/57b1aed35124c928671c3758-800/myanmar-monsoon-floods-kill-eight-disrupt-lives-of-400000-2016-8.jpg" alt="A woman carries her child as she walks through a flooded road in Kyaung Kone in Ayeyarwady division, Myanmar, August 12, 2016. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun " data-mce-source="Thomson Reuters" data-mce-caption="A woman carries her child as she walks through a flooded road in Kyaung Kone in Ayeyarwady division" /></p>
<p>But for them, disasters can have damaging long-term effects, such as forcing families to take a child out of school or to spend less on healthcare, it adds.</p>
<p>Among Guatemalan households hit by tropical storm Agatha in 2010, per capita consumption fell 5.5 percent, hiking poverty by 14 percent, according to research cited by the bank.</p>
<p>"Dealing with climate change and natural disasters and resilience is an important component of poverty reduction policy," Hallegatte told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.</p>
<p>If the value of assets threatened by disasters is the main factor in planning how to reduce risks, the majority of support will go to better-off countries and communities, he said.</p>
<p>The aim of the report &mdash; produced in response to demand from governments &mdash; is to help states balance protecting financial returns with taking care of the poor.</p>
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/560f69499dd7cc16008bf0b3-2400/guatemala mudslide_mill (1).jpg" alt="Guatemala Mudslide" data-mce-source="AP Photo/Moises Castillo" data-mce-caption="Rescuers carry a body recovered from the site of a landslide in Cambray, a neighborhood in the suburb of Santa Catarina Pinula, about 10 miles east of Guatemala City, Friday, Oct. 2, 2015." /></p>
<p>The World Bank plans to use the findings to steer policy discussions with countries on managing risks across the board.</p>
<p>The research could also guide countries on putting into practice their climate change action plans, submitted for the Paris Agreement that took effect on Nov. 4, Hallegatte said.</p>
<p>"If we select priorities based on our measure of the impact of natural disasters on well-being, we will be able to spend not only efficiently but also help the poorest," he said.</p>
<h2>Good for prosperity</h2>
<p>The study, produced with the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), uses a new method of measuring damages that factors in the unequal burden of disasters.</p>
<p>It also calculates that measures to help the poor withstand shocks could save countries and communities $100 billion a year and cut the impact of disasters on well-being by a fifth.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Those measures include creating early warning systems and giving wider access to personal banking, as well as insurance policies and social protection systems such as cash transfers and public works programs.</p>
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5806e55d5124c9d23584c783-800/un-fears-more-cholera-in-haiti-after-storm-says-protests-slowing-relief.jpg" alt="A woman carries her child as she waits with others for medicines to be handed out after Hurricane Matthew hit Jeremie, Haiti, October 18, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins" data-mce-source="Thomson Reuters" data-mce-caption="A woman carries her child as she waits with others for medicines to be handed out after Hurricane Matthew hit Jeremie" /></p>
<p>The report gives a breakdown of the potential well-being gains for each of the 117 countries analyzed, including rich and poor nations, and suggests that it is not only the less well-off who could benefit from changes.</p>
<p>The United States, for instance, is classed as having lower socio-economic resilience to disasters - the ability of an economy to limit the effect of asset losses on well-being - than the Philippines. It stands to make gains of nearly $8 billion per year from investing in efforts to boost resilience, the report says.</p>
<p>Hallegatte, a lead economist with the GFDRR, said it was not yet possible to put a price on the measures required because they would differ from place to place, and in many cases the costs would be shared between states and other funding sources.</p>
<p>But it was in the interests of society to invest in boosting the resilience of the poor to disasters because it would cost less than bailing people out and rebuilding afterwards, he said.</p>
<p><img style="float:right;" src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/562496245afbd3975e8b4567-728/philippine-storm-weakens-after-killing-at-least-nine-leaving-thousands-stranded.jpg" alt="Residents hold on to a plastic hose and an electricity wire while trying to cross a flooded road amidst a strong current in Sta Rosa, Nueva Ecija in northern Philippines, October 19, 2015, after it was hit by Typhoon Koppu. REUTERS/Erik De Castro" data-mce-source="Thomson Reuters" data-mce-caption="Residents hold on to a plastic hose and an electricity wire while trying to cross a flooded road amidst a strong current in Sta Rosa, Nueva Ecija in northern Philippines" /></p>
<p>For example, social protection systems in Kenya and Uganda provided resources to vulnerable farmers well before drought hit in 2015, saving lives and cutting spending on emergency aid compared with similar droughts a decade ago, he said.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"If you have social protection systems... taxpayers will be the winners in the end because it is less costly than waiting for the catastrophe to happen," he said.</p>
<p>"There is a very selfish argument for reducing poverty, because it is just good for the prosperity of your country."</p>
<p>(Reporting by Megan Rowling @meganrowling; editing by Laurie Goering. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org)</p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/philippine-president-duterte-paris-agreement-climate-change-2016-11" >After high-profile backlash, the Philippines' president is softening his stance on a landmark climate deal</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-disaster-loss-estimates-ignore-higher-cost-to-poor-world-bank-2016-11#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/map-earthquakes-magnitude-animated-1900-2016-8">Animated map shows where the largest earthquakes of the past 100 years have struck</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/us-cities-under-25-ft-water-flood-2015-7What US cities will look like under 25 feet of waterhttp://www.businessinsider.com/us-cities-under-25-ft-water-flood-2015-7
Sat, 22 Oct 2016 14:00:00 -0400Rob Ludacer
<div><div>
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script><div class="g-ytsubscribe" data-channelid="UCVLZmDKeT-mV4H3ToYXIFYg" data-layout="full" data-count="hidden"></div>
</div></div>
<p class="embed-spacer"></p>
<p>Coastal cities could see a rise in sea levels by as much as 4 ft by the end of the century. To help put a visual to the number, artist <a href="http://nickolaylamm.com/">Nickolay Lamm</a> created this <a href="https://www.storagefront.com/therentersbent/what-will-sea-level-rise-look-like-in-real-life">series of simulations of US city landmarks</a> as affected by sea levels rising 5, 12 and 25 feet. Using <a href="http://sealevel.climatecentral.org/">Climate Central</a>'s sea level rise maps, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-city-sea-level-rise-maps-by-nickolay-lamm-2014-5">Lamm imagines recognizable locales</a> such as Venice Beach CA, Miami Beach FL, and Boston Harbor with catastrophic flooding.</p>
<p><em> </em><em style="line-height: 1.5em;">Produced by <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/author/rob-ludacer">Rob Ludacer</a></em></p>
<p><strong>Follow TI Video:</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/techinsider">On Facebook</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-cities-under-25-ft-water-flood-2015-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/before-and-after-photo-of-amatrice-italy-after-earthquake-2016-8This before and after photo of a town in Italy shows the utter devastation wrought by an earthquakehttp://www.businessinsider.com/before-and-after-photo-of-amatrice-italy-after-earthquake-2016-8
Wed, 24 Aug 2016 16:26:22 -0400Sonam Sheth
<p>A devastating earthquake <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/25/world/europe/italy-earthquake.html">hit central Italy on Wednesday</a>, killing at least 120 people and displacing more than 1,000.</p>
<p>At the epicenter of the quake — which had a magnitude of 6.2 — were the towns of Amatrice, Accumoli, Pescara del Tronto, and Arquata del Tronto.</p>
<p>Amatrice, in particular, was hit hard and saw its buildings and homes reduced to rubble. The only major structure left standing after the disaster hit was a clock tower in the town's historic center. The clock's hands were frozen at 3:36 a.m., the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/23/europe/italy-earthquake/">exact time</a> the earthquake struck.</p>
<h2>Here's what the area looked like before the earthquake:</h2>
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/57bdfe0fdb5ce954008b8b2e-1187/screen%20shot%202016-08-24%20at%204.03.51%20pm.png" alt="Screen Shot 2016 08 24 at 4.03.51 PM" data-mce-source="Google Maps" data-mce-caption="A view of Amatrice and the clock tower before the earthquake."></p>
<h2>Here it is after:</h2>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/57bdf6c0db5ce949188b89ef-2400/rtx2mw3i.jpg" alt="RTX2MW3I" data-mce-source="Thomson Reuters" data-mce-caption="Rescuers walk past the bell tower with the clock showing the time of the earthquake in Amatrice, central Italy, August 24, 2016."></p>
<p>The damage in Amatrice was so severe that the mayor, Sergio Pirozzi, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/24/europe/italy-earthquake-towns/">told CNN</a> that the "town isn't here anymore."</p>
<p>It was crowded with residents and tourists who were visiting for the summer. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers uncover more damage and deal with potential aftershocks from the quake.</p>
<p><span>"There are so many dead I cannot make an estimate," Pirozzi told Rai state television, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/24/strong-earthquake-hits-italy-with-people-reportedly-trapped-in-rubble">according to The Guardian</a>. "We have already extracted several dead bodies but we do not know how many there are below."</span></p>
<p><span>The damage in Amatrice, Accumoli, Arquata del Tronto, and surrounding areas was so severe that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/photos-italy-earthquake_us_57bda1e7e4b0b51733a6c4a0">Italy sent military assistance</a>, and the Vatican announced that it would send its firefighters to help as well.</span></p>
<p><span><span>Aid workers and rescuers are still searching for those who may be lost in the debris — on late Wednesday, a firefighter <a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/595a515b78f2420cb155cd7c66bbf04b/italian-firefighter-chief-8-year-old-girl-pulled-out-alive">announced</a> that he'd pulled an 8-year-old girl out alive from the rubble — and Amatrice residents will not be allowed to sleep in the town on Wednesday night. </span></span></p>
<p><span><span>Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said, during an address to Italy, that "<span>In difficult times, Italy knows what to do," according to CNN.</span></span></span></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/turkey-allow-russia-to-share-incirlik-air-base-2016-8" >Russia may set up camp in the base the US and NATO use to bomb ISIS</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/before-and-after-photo-of-amatrice-italy-after-earthquake-2016-8#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/6.2-magnitude-earthquake-hits-central-italy-2016-8">Huge devastation after 6.2 magnitude earthquake hits central Italy</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-one-way-virtual-reality-might-save-your-life-2016-8Here's one way virtual reality might save your lifehttp://www.businessinsider.com/heres-one-way-virtual-reality-might-save-your-life-2016-8
Sun, 14 Aug 2016 09:00:00 -0400David Choi
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5200f898eab8ea715200000c-2000/ap9803210609.jpg" alt="virtual reality" data-mce-source="AP/Christof Stache"></p><p></p>
<p>Virtual reality seems to be the rage these days — not only are military and local law enforcement officers using it to simulate life-like scenarios involving firearms, but average consumers are also taking part in the eye-opening experience for their own entertainment.</p>
<p>But there’s another use for VR technology that’s often overlooked amidst the virtual muzzle flashes and the more <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3056558/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-vr-couldnt-be-more-intimate" target="_blank">intimate</a> scenarios: disaster response training.</p>
<p>By creating an artificial scenario where floods or volcanic activity can effectively test one’s mettle and training, the Department of Homeland Security, which heads numerous other agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), may receive critical training from these machines without waiting for a devastating disaster to strike.</p>
<p>The following infographic from <a href="http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/resources/infographics/how-the-department-of-homeland-security-can-use-virtual-reality-for-disaster-response-training/" target="_blank">Eastern Kentucky University</a> explains the potential benefits of using VR for disaster response training.</p>
<p><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/57b348eace38f237008b70c7-800/virtual-reality-r1.png" alt="Virtual Reality R1" data-mce-source="Eastern Kentucky University" data-link="http://safetymanagement.eku.edu/resources/infographics/how-the-department-of-homeland-security-can-use-virtual-reality-for-disaster-response-training/"></p><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/tilt-brush-virtual-reality-painting-htc-vive-2016-7" >Painting in virtual reality looks amazing</a></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-one-way-virtual-reality-might-save-your-life-2016-8#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> <p>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/veeso-virtual-reality-headset-video-2016-8">This VR headset transforms you into a Pixar-like character</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/truck-paves-road-faun-fastrack-2016-8This monster truck paves its own road anywherehttp://www.businessinsider.com/truck-paves-road-faun-fastrack-2016-8
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 11:56:25 -0400Rob Ludacer
<p><a href="http://fauntrackway.co.uk/" target="_blank"></a></p>
<div><div>
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script><div class="g-ytsubscribe" data-channelid="UCVLZmDKeT-mV4H3ToYXIFYg" data-layout="full" data-count='“hidden"'></div>
</div></div>
<p><a href="http://fauntrackway.co.uk/" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p class="embed-spacer"></p>
<p><a href="http://fauntrackway.co.uk/" target="_blank">Faun Fastrack</a><span> is an innovative machine that helps vehicles maneuver in desolated areas. It carries up to 50 feet of </span><a href="http://www.techinsider.io/road-building-machine-quickly-builds-brick-roads-2016-7">drivable road</a><span> spooled up. It backs over the unpaved ground, unraveling the spool, until </span><a href="http://www.techinsider.io/mclaren-p1-hypercar-revived-2016-6">the track is secure</a><span> on the ground for other vehicles. When </span><a href="http://www.techinsider.io/roads-to-drive-in-your-lifetime-2016-6">the road</a><span> is no longer needed, Fastrack rolls it back up and reuses it.</span></p>
<p><strong>Follow TI: </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/techinsider">On Facebook</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/truck-paves-road-faun-fastrack-2016-8#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/cleveland-hospital-disaster-supplies-rnc-2016-7Cleveland’s biggest hospital stockpiled a massive amount of supplies in case disaster strikes the RNChttp://www.businessinsider.com/cleveland-hospital-disaster-supplies-rnc-2016-7
Wed, 20 Jul 2016 00:41:37 -0400Sam Rega
<p>For the past year and a half, Cleveland area hospitals prepared for over 50,000 people to arrive for the Republican National Convention. Hospitals including&nbsp;<a href="http://my.clevelandclinic.org/">Cleveland Clinic</a>, <a href="http://www.metrohealth.org/">MetroHealth</a>, <a href="https://www.stvincentcharity.com/">St. Vincent Charity Medical Center</a> and <a href="http://www.uhhospitals.org/">University Hospitals</a> stockpiled supplies and created safety preparations for all medical issues large and small.</p>
<p><strong>Follow BI Video:</strong> <a href="https://twitter.com/bi_video">On Twitter</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/cleveland-hospital-disaster-supplies-rnc-2016-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/crickets-jumping-slow-motion-science-robots-2015-10Scientists found something incredible while studying these crickets jumping in slow motionhttp://www.businessinsider.com/crickets-jumping-slow-motion-science-robots-2015-10
Tue, 27 Oct 2015 16:48:13 -0400Matt Johnston
<div><div>
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script><div class="g-ytsubscribe" data-channelid="UCVLZmDKeT-mV4H3ToYXIFYg" data-layout="full" data-count="hidden"></div>
</div></div>
<p class="embed-spacer">Scientists at Johns Hopkins University are finding amazing things by studying spider crickets.</p>
<p class="embed-spacer"><!--?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?--></p>
<div><em>Produced By Matt Johnston.</em></div>
<div><em> </em></div>
<div>
<strong>Follow TI Video:</strong><span> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/techinsider">On Facebook</a>
</div><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/crickets-jumping-slow-motion-science-robots-2015-10#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/16-photos-that-show-how-the-us-military-responds-to-natural-disasters-2015-1016 photos that show how the US military responds to natural disastershttp://www.businessinsider.com/16-photos-that-show-how-the-us-military-responds-to-natural-disasters-2015-10
Fri, 09 Oct 2015 08:53:47 -0400David Nye
<p class="ng-scope"><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/55d71e849dd7cc1e008b4e89-2200-1467/rtrmeiz.jpg" alt="Refugees of Hurricane Katrina fill the floor of the Astrodome in Houston September 2, 2005. U.S." data-mce-source="Reuters/Richard Carson" data-mce-caption="Refugees of Hurricane Katrina fill the floor of the Astrodome in Houston September 2, 2005. U.S." /></p><p></p>
<p class="ng-scope">When natural disaster strikes at home or abroad, America usually sends its military to aid in rescue and recovery. Engineers, search and rescue, and logistics specialists pour into the area to save as many people as quickly as possible.</p>
<h3 class="ng-scope">&nbsp;</h3><p><strong>SEE ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/niger-desert-north-gaddafi-years-in-power-2015-10" >Niger's desert north is a glimpse into the destructive brilliance of Gaddafi's 42 years in power</a></strong></p>
<h3>1. Troops are rushed to the area, usually via cargo aircraft.</h3>
<img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5617ae8a9dd7cc10008c0807-400-300/1-troops-are-rushed-to-the-area-usually-via-cargo-aircraft.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>2. In the crucial first hours, disaster survivors can be rescued from collapsed or flooded structures. Engineers carefully shore up crumbling buildings and cut through obstacles.</h3>
<img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5617aedfbd86ef16008c08b9-400-300/2-in-the-crucial-first-hours-disaster-survivors-can-be-rescued-from-collapsed-or-floodedstructures-engineers-carefully-shore-up-crumbling-buildings-and-cut-through-obstacles.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><h3>3. During hurricanes and tsunamis, there’s a good chance some survivors will have been swept to sea. Trained swimmers work to extract them.</h3>
<img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5617af1f9dd7cc03308b53c0-400-300/3-during-hurricanes-and-tsunamis-theres-a-good-chance-some-survivors-will-have-been-swept-to-sea-trained-swimmers-work-to-extract-them.jpg" alt="" />
<br/><br/><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/16-photos-that-show-how-the-us-military-responds-to-natural-disasters-2015-10#/#4-survivors-are-transported-to-safe-areas-in-military-aircraft-and-vehicles-4">See the rest of the story at Business Insider</a> http://www.businessinsider.com/west-coast-cities-under-water-2015-8What the West Coast will look like under 25 feet of waterhttp://www.businessinsider.com/west-coast-cities-under-water-2015-8
Tue, 01 Sep 2015 09:10:00 -0400Rob Ludacer
<div><div>
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script><div class="g-ytsubscribe" data-channelid="UCVLZmDKeT-mV4H3ToYXIFYg" data-layout="full" data-count="hidden"></div>
</div></div>
<p class="embed-spacer"></p>
<p>Coastal cities could see a rise in sea levels by as much as 4 ft by the end of the century. To help put a visual to the number, artist <a href="http://nickolaylamm.com/">Nickolay Lamm</a> created this <a href="https://www.storagefront.com/therentersbent/what-will-sea-level-rise-look-like-in-real-life">series of simulations of West Coast city landmarks</a> as affected by sea levels rising 5, 12 and 25 feet. Using <a href="http://sealevel.climatecentral.org/">Climate Central</a>'s sea level rise maps, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-city-sea-level-rise-maps-by-nickolay-lamm-2014-5">Lamm imagines recognizable locales</a> such as Venice Beach, San Francisco, and San Diego with catastrophic flooding. </p>
<p><em>Produced by <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/author/rob-ludacer">Rob Ludacer</a></em></p>
<p><strong>Follow TI:</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/techinsider">On Facebook</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/west-coast-cities-under-water-2015-8#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p> http://www.businessinsider.com/us-cities-under-25-ft-water-flood-2015-7What US cities will look like under 25 feet of waterhttp://www.businessinsider.com/us-cities-under-25-ft-water-flood-2015-7
Tue, 04 Aug 2015 10:33:00 -0400Rob Ludacer
<div><div>
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script><div class="g-ytsubscribe" data-channelid="UCVLZmDKeT-mV4H3ToYXIFYg" data-layout="full" data-count="hidden"></div>
</div></div>
<p class="embed-spacer"></p>
<p>Coastal cities could see a rise in sea levels by as much as 4 ft by the end of the century. To help put a visual to the number, artist <a href="http://nickolaylamm.com/">Nickolay Lamm</a> created this <a href="https://www.storagefront.com/therentersbent/what-will-sea-level-rise-look-like-in-real-life">series of simulations of US city landmarks</a> as affected by sea levels rising 5, 12 and 25 feet. Using <a href="http://sealevel.climatecentral.org/">Climate Central</a>'s sea level rise maps, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-city-sea-level-rise-maps-by-nickolay-lamm-2014-5">Lamm imagines recognizable locales</a> such as Venice Beach CA, Miami Beach FL, and Boston Harbor with catastrophic flooding.</p>
<p><em> </em><em style="line-height: 1.5em;">Produced by <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/author/rob-ludacer">Rob Ludacer</a></em></p>
<p><strong>Follow TI Video:</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/techinsider">On Facebook</a></p><p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-cities-under-25-ft-water-flood-2015-7#comments">Join the conversation about this story &#187;</a></p>